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One of the strengths of the United States is its diverse economy, which comprises many industries that contribute to overall economic development and greater stability. Total U.S. economic output topped $16 trillion in 2015, and each state’s contribution to overall GDP was unique, both in terms of size and industrial composition. For example, California, New […]

The U.S. unemployment rate is currently 4.4%, nearly its lowest point in a decade. While the unemployment rate reflects the millions of Americans who are out of work and actively seeking employment, the measure does not fully capture the degree to which Americans are unable to find the jobs they want. In addition to those […]

The U.S. Census recommends Americans spend no more than 30% of their income on housing costs per month. Still, an estimated 19 million U.S. households spend over 50% of their income on housing. As the United States continues to recover from the housing crisis and recession, housing costs, including home prices and rent, are rising […]

As it stands, the nationwide violent crime rate today is about half what it was in 1993. While the United States is a much more peaceful place than it has been in decades, millions of Americans still live in relatively violent areas. How peaceful or violent a given state is depends on more than the […]

Is your state a drag on the American economy or a boon? The 50 states — as diverse as they are — each contribute something to the U.S. economy. Because of their diversity, state economies rarely trend in unison. GDP growth is often the default measure for economic strength, but it often fails to tell […]

The United States is home to some of the largest global companies. Of the world’s 50 largest public companies by revenue, 21 are based in the United States, including five of the top 10. Many of the largest American companies are headquartered in the country’s major economic capitals, including New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas, […]

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and gambling are all — when done in excess — widely recognized as bad for your health. Yet millions of people enjoy such vices on a daily basis in the United States. To encourage healthier lifestyles, cover the eventual social costs, or help generate revenue some states tax these behaviors. All told, […]

The gender pay gap has narrowed substantially since the Equal Pay Act was signed in 1963. Still, the typical woman working full time in the United States earns $40,022 a year — or only about 80% of the median annual income for men working full time of $50,119. A study conducted by the Pew Research […]

A college education can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, and it may be more important now than ever before. Studies show the typical four-year college graduate earns $21,000 more than the typical high school graduate. A four-year college degree may not make sense for everyone, however, and many are unable to afford […]

Most Americans agree that it is important to provide children with ample opportunities for success, regardless of where they live. To this end, state and local government budgets include provisions for children’s basic education, health care, social services, and other support programs. Still, children receive widely varying amounts of resources depending largely on their state […]